- Data Privacy
- Uploaded In: 2026
Online Safety in the Age of AI: Why Governance Matters as Much as Innovation
Online safety is not merely a technical challenge. It is a question of trust, responsibility, and governance.
As more essential services migrate online, the protection of digital systems becomes fundamental. Innovation should improve lives without eroding rights, privacy, or security. Cybersecurity now underpins every dependable digital service, from protecting critical infrastructure and managing digital identities to preventing fraud and online abuse.
Europe’s digital transformation is accelerating at pace. According to the European Commission, more than 1,400 AI projects are currently underway across 38 European countries. These technologies are already enhancing efficiency and accessibility in public services. Yet their rapid adoption also increases the responsibility to ensure robust data protection. This is why European regulation requires AI systems to embed privacy, security, and transparency by design and by default.
Italy mirrors this broader European trend. Data from the Agency for Digital Italy (AgID) shows that 45 public administrations have launched AI-based initiatives, largely focused on improving efficiency, data management, and access to services. Chatbots and virtual assistants feature prominently among these projects.
The implications are particularly significant in global mobility management, as international travel continues to grow for tourism, education, and employment. In 2025, visits to Italy exceed 479 million, dramatically increasing the volume of sensitive personal data that must be handled securely and responsibly.
In this environment, effective public–private partnerships and the responsible deployment of AI can deliver efficiency without compromising accountability. Private service providers such as VFS Global support diplomatic missions by managing administrative components of the visa application process, while consular authorities retain full responsibility for decision-making.
VFS Global is among the early adopters of responsible AI, implementing it in full compliance with data protection regulations and under continuous human oversight. In partnership with the Responsible AI Institute, fairness, privacy, and transparency are embedded from the outset. Current initiatives include 24/7 generative AI chatbots on Italy-dedicated websites, as well as a mobile-only appointment booking system with Liveness Detection. This technology, implemented in select markets, validates applicants during the booking process to ensure that appointment slots are reserved for genuine customers. It verifies that bookings are made by a live person (not a bot) and matches the applicant’s facial image with the passport photograph.
An automated digital waitlist further ensures that appointment slots are allocated strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, reinforcing both fairness and security.
By embedding responsible AI principles and investing in skills and cybersecurity, digital services can be both innovative and trustworthy. It is a reminder that the future of digital transformation depends not only on technological advancement, but on how responsibly technology is designed, governed, and used.
If you have any feedback on this article or would like to reach out to our team to know more, please email us at
communications@vfsglobal.com
